Launch Event

Get an exclusive first look at the German Wine Scholar® (GWS) program.

Join WSG Director of Education Christopher Martin MW and German Wine Scholar Lead Educator Shane Jones for a dynamic preview of this exciting new certification.

During this 45-minute live session, you’ll get an exclusive preview of the new German Wine Scholar® (GWS) program, an inspiring and rigorous journey into the world of German wine.

• Why is German Wine Scholar Unique

German Wine is often interpreted as complex! GWS makes it easier to grasp. Using the same time-tested framework we've created for France, Italy and Spain, now you can also gain proficiency in Germany. The GWS is the most comprehensive and in-depth certification program on German wine available today. Covering all 13 regions, it goes far beyond Riesling to uncover the full story of Germany’s wine culture. From revered classics to bold new styles, from regional tradition to modern viticultural and winemaking practices and from climate shifts to the evolving identity of Germany’s wine regions, you will explore how culture, tradition and innovation intersect to shape one of the world’s most dynamic and expressive wine nations.

• Discover the Benefits of the GWS Program

This immersive course is built for wine lovers and professionals alike. With beautifully designed study materials, a supportive online community and monthly interactive classes, the GWS combines structure and flexibility to fit your life and deepen your expertise.

• Why Join this Event

Get the inside scoop on how the course works, the study schedule, what you’ll learn and what makes it unlike anything else out there. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what the GWS can do for you and why now is the perfect time to begin your German wine educational adventure.

Christopher Martin MW

Director of Education, Wine Scholar Guild

Christopher Martin MW has worked in wine education for over a decade, shaping how wine is taught and understood across the globe. Now Director of Education at Wine Scholar Guild, he leads the strategic development of the organization’s acclaimed curriculum. Prior to this, he created and led the Educator Training Programme at WSET, where he helped define best practices in wine teaching worldwide. Christopher also supports the Institute of Masters of Wine as part of its course day and seminar team. A Master of Wine since 2024, he judges regularly at major competitions, including the Decanter World Wine Awards and serves as Co-Chair of the Japan Wine Challenge.

Shane Jones

Lead Educator, German Wine Scholar

Shane is a wine and sake educator with over a decade’s experience of teaching in the UK, Ireland, France and Germany. He is also a Certified Port and Cava Educator as well as a graduate of the Shochu and Sake Academy in Tokyo, Japan.

His wine specialisations include sparkling wines, fortified wines and the wines of Germany. Shane is Lead Educator for WSG's innagural German Wine Scholar course and can also be found teaching these topics for the Diploma Programme at the WSET’s Flagship School in London Bridge along with judging these categories at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

From a comprehensive study manual to interactive online modules, expert instruction and an engaging student community, every element is meticulously curated to foster a profound understanding and appreciation of German wine culture.